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筅 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
筅xiǎnbamboo brushx, 12 strokes, radical ⺮
筅xiǎnbamboo brush for utensilsunknown, 12 strokes, radical ⺮
xiǎn(xian3)xian T3
  1. 1bamboo brush
  2. 2bamboo brush for utensils
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March 24, 2026

筅xiǎn(xian3)

The character 筅 (xiǎn) refers to a bamboo brush, typically used for cleaning utensils or writing. It is often associated with traditional Chinese calligraphy and art, where brushes made from bamboo are favored for their flexibility and control.

Strokes12Radical⺮
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese culture, bamboo brushes are not just tools but symbols of artistic expression, often linked with scholars and poets who used them for calligraphy and painting.

Memory tip

Imagine a slender bamboo stick, perfect for brushing away dust—this is your 筅 (xiǎn). The character looks like a tall, thin brush standing upright, emphasizing its purpose as a tool for delicate tasks.

Meanings of 筅

xiǎn(xian3)
1bamboo brush
2bamboo brush for utensils
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 筅

筅Simplified
12Strokes
⺮Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 筅

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Podcast: 筅

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AI study notes for 筅

Usage Notes

While using 筅, it's common to encounter the mistake of confusing it with other brush-related terms. Remember that 筅 specifically refers to a bamboo brush used for cleaning or writing, not a general brush. It's more commonly used in formal contexts.

HSK Study Tips

Although 筅 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to other words related to traditional arts and utensils. Students should focus on recognizing the character in texts about Chinese art and culture to enhance their understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 筅 with 筆 (bǐ), which means a pen or general brush. Remember, 筅 specifically refers to a bamboo brush used for cleaning or writing, while 筆 is more general.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 筅

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Etymology of 筅

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

bamboo

Semantic (meaning)⺮
+
Phonetic (sound)先
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

筅 = ⺮ + 先. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 筅

IDS Structure⿱⺮先
筅Full character
=
⺮zhu2
top
先xian1
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 筅?

How to say bamboo brush in Chinese

“bamboo brush” in Chinese is筅xiǎn

The character 筅 (xiǎn) refers to a bamboo brush, typically used for cleaning utensils or writing. It is often associated with traditional Chinese calligraphy and art, where brushes made from bamboo are favored for their flexibility and control.

When to use 筅

While using 筅, it's common to encounter the mistake of confusing it with other brush-related terms. Remember that 筅 specifically refers to a bamboo brush used for cleaning or writing, not a general brush. It's more commonly used in formal contexts.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 筅 with 筆 (bǐ), which means a pen or general brush. Remember, 筅 specifically refers to a bamboo brush used for cleaning or writing, while 筆 is more general.

Write 筅

筅

Practice writing 筅 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 筅

Words containing this character1
筅xiǎnbamboo brush for utensils

Frequently asked questions about 筅

It is used primarily for cleaning utensils or in calligraphy.

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